ALTHOUGH his MES Footwork business has only been up and running since January, Matt Scott has amassed a significant following.

Having sold more than 50 pairs of trainers online, which are designed with images of people's choice, the student's client base is growing by the day.

And as endorsements in a product go, they don't come much bigger than from Dave Stewart, Wearside-born musician, who has commissioned a pair of Mr Scott's trainers with his own artwork on the side.

Such success has come quickly for 20-year-old Mr Scott, who stumbled upon the idea while looking for an unusual gift for his girlfriend.

"I wanted to do something different and personal, combining what she liked, and all girls like shoes," said the Newcastle University marketing management student.

"I got blank trainers and covered them in pictures of us. I used transfer glue to stick them on and she loved them. They sparked a really good reaction and her friends loved them too and asked me for some.

"I thought that if so many people like the idea, then I would start a business for people to design their own trainers."

People can go to mesfootwork.

com and submit their designs.

Their trainers will arrive in the post two or three weeks later.

Mr Scott is hoping to expand beyond his current production facility - his bedroom - into business premises, and is confident his dream can become reality if levels of success in MES Footwork continue.

He is hoping victory in the If We Can You Can Challenge can boost his chances of running a big business.

The challenge, launched by the Entrepreneurs' Forum and supported by The Northern Echo, seeks to nurture entrepreneurial talent of all ages and backgrounds and recapture a spirit of enterprise in the North-East.

Mr Scott and Karen Forster, who runs Trampas men's grooming salon in Durham, have been shortlisted They are competing to become a face of North-East entrepreneurship for next year.

"The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer. I am a passionate person, a born leader and I thrive on innovation, it is second nature to me," said Mr Scott.

"I embrace making mistakes, learning from them, and never making them twice. My mind is constantly focused on business, on creativity, inspiration, productivity and learning.

"I am determined, confident and competent and have a desire to be the best I can be."

The winner, who will be revealed on June 12, will also receive a monthly business surgery with some of the region's leading entrepreneurs, an iPhone and a £2,000 support package.

For more details about the finalists, go to ifwecanyoucan/ challenge